Rare Pair Ryoshibako and Suzuribako - Edo periodOf all the highly skilled Japanese arts, lacquer is one of the most undervalued. Here we have two items from our collection of document boxes (Ryoshibako) and writing boxes (suzuribako). They are a matched pair in typical Japanese style, obviously a pair with similar decoration but each one different.The drop over lid of the Ryoshibako is extensively decorated with an idyllic mountain scene including a stream and water mill. Measuring 41cms x 32cms, the gold and silver takamaki-e and hiramaki-e is finely detailed right down to the trees on the distant skyline. The interior of the lid is polished black Roiro with gold hirame and further exquisite hiramaki-e decoration, an over-hanging tree with a stream bordered by flowers. The edges of both the lid and the box are finished in fundame gold.The Ryoshibako is unusual in that it has an additional inner tray. Decorated all over on both sides with hirame on a polished roiro ground it features a repeat of the gold hiramaki-e flowers seen on the lid. The tray has a gold fundame canted edge.The bottom of the box is polished black roiro with gold nashiji to the interior and the bottom. The overall height of the box is 13cms.The Suzuribako 24.5cms x 21cms is decorated in a similar way. The bottom of the box is fitted with the inkstone and a silver water dropper embossed with chrysanthemum flowers in a lift out tray. The bottom of the box itself is again beautifully decorated in polished black and gold hirame. Edges of the lid and box base are again finished in fundame.For a similar set see Bonhams Fine Japanese Art Sale, 11th Nov 2010, sold �10,200 in premium.Condition. The boxes are both in very good condition but at around 170 years years of age and usage have gathered a few edge chips. The lid of the document box has a hairline crack in each of the two bottom corners. The writing box has a surface crack to the enamel on the outside edge of the botto...